Hosts Inter Milan hoping San Siro record can help sink Lazio

San Siro is the stage for a tantalising clash between Serie A big-guns Inter Milan and Lazio. The Nerazzurri should be confident on home turf, where they boast a brilliant recent record against the Eagles.

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has recently returned for his second stint in the Nerazzurri hotseat, and results are finally on the up following a five-match winless streak in Serie A.

Triumph against Chievo last time out was a vital boost for the boys in blue and black, which could see them once again take advantage on the Eagles.

Ex-Lazio forward Mancini would be wise to remind his men of their 4-1 rout of their rivals last term, when leading marksman Mauro Icardi was on target. The Argentine attacker is attracting Premier League attention, and is 5/1 to fire home first or 5/4 in the anytime market.

Icardi’s compatriot Rodrigo Palacio also found the net against Lazio last time these two teams met and is 11/2 to close the scoring, whilst Inter will be without Southampton-owned striker Pablo Osvaldo.

A win would be priceless for the Nerazzurri’s hopes of a revival in the second half of the season. Inter may currently be placed 11th in Serie A, but they are still only six points behind Lazio, who are in fourth.

Victory could lift them into the top half of the table and, from then on, the fight to secure European football next campaign could become even tighter.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are attempting to keep pace with Rafa Benitez’s Napoli, as city rivals Roma and Turin titans Juventus speed away.

A Champions League spot is certainly within reach for Stefano Pioli’s side, 13/5 to win, who have played some sensational football this season.

The Romans have not lost in their past four games across all competitions, enjoying three wins on the bounce. Lazio still seem to come unstuck against the big boys, though, with demoralising defeats to AC Milan and Juve already this campaign.

Pioli’s boys must overcome this seeming inferiority complex if they are to achieve substance as well as style, but are suffering from an ill-timed spate of injuries.

Lazio have six players sidelined, with the absences of key midfield duo Andrea Candreva and Lucas Biglia currently the biggest blows.

Skipper Stefano Mauri is in fine form, however, having grabbed three goals in his last two outings, making the Italian 9/4 to net anytime.

Serbian striker Filip Djordjevic has been fairly prolific for the Eagles this season, and experienced poacher Miroslav Klose is also a forward threat. The dangerous duo are 13/2 and 6/1 to draw first blood and score last respectively.

If Lazio are to lay their San Siro ghosts so rest, the potent pair will need to be on top form.